Indian Journal of Forensic Odontology

It is a well-known fact that the pattern of palatal rugae is very unique, similar to fingerprints. Rugal length and transverse palatal rugal region width advances with age in both male and females. This advancement stops once the somatic growth stops. Also, there appears to be a significant correlation between rugae patterns and ethnicity. Palatal rugae pattern of an individual may be considered as a useful adjunct in the field of forensic dentistry for identification purposes. Hence, this review article aims at providing a detail insight into the role of palatal rugae in the field of forensic dentistry.

Keywords: Palatal rugae, Forensic dentistry

Estimation of age based on study of tooth structures is a widely followed approach in forensics owing to the ability of these hard tissues to withstand changes over long periods. Several aspects can be evaluated for age estimation including degree of attrition, root transparency, secondary dentin deposition, root resorption, cementum apposition, etc. Cemental apposition occurs throughout life by deposition of alternating layers of varying mineralization known as tooth cementum annulations (TCA). Counting of cementum annulations is gaining more acceptance as compared to other methods in that it is least influenced by external factors. This article focuses on this particular aspect of age estimation.

Keywords: Age Estimation, Tooth Cementum Annulations, Incremental Lines, Forensic Odontology

Study of dermatoglyphic patterns is useful in diagnosis of various genetic related diseases as well as a valuable adjunct in judicial and legal investigations. Genetic factor also plays an important role in etiology of dental caries. Study of configuration of dermal ridges on palmar and plantar surfaces of hands and feet is called dermatoglyphics. As dermal ridges and tooth structures are formed almost during the same period of intra uterine life, so hereditary and environmental factors causing dental caries in tooth can show similar alterations in dermal ridge patterns. So keeping in view these common factors, we decided to study correlation between dental caries and dermatoglyphic patterns among subjects.

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Whorl, Loop Pattern, Dental Caries.

Forensic odontology is concerned with the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of the dental evidence. Age estimation is one of the most frequent challenges faced by forensic odontologists. The pulp/ tooth area ratio (PTR) is a nondestructive radiographic technique based on the changes due to continuous secondary dentine deposition throughout life. These changes also seem to vary with the genetic factors, habits, environmental factors and geographical areas. Thus, the aim of the study is to estimate the PTR of the right or left mandibular canine using orthopantomograms (OPG) and determine the age of individuals aged between 17 to 70 years from western part of India. Age was calculated using the Indian specific formula and the result obtained was statistically significant. It was concluded that the pulp/tooth area ratio is a useful indicator of age, although correlations may vary in different populations and hence, specific formulae should be derived for each population.

Keywords: Forensic Odontology, Age Estimation, Identification, Pulp Tooth area ratio, orthopantomograms.